Kathmandu, 1 April: On the occasion of Chaitra Purnima, the Tamang community in the Boudha area of Kathmandu has devoutly celebrated the historically and religiously significant Temal Jatra. Observed every year on the full moon day of Chaitra, this festival is closely tied to the religious and cultural identity of the Tamang people and is celebrated in Boudha, Swayambhu, and Namo Buddha.
According to tradition, the jatra is believed to have originated from the Temal region of Kavre. During the festival, people light butter lamps and perform rituals, praying for the peace of the souls of their deceased relatives. On this occasion, devotees light lamps (chyomi) around the Boudha Stupa परिसर and conduct the “Ngo” ritual in the name of the departed. Special prayers known as “Ngowa Monlam” are also performed under the guidance of Lama gurus.
As per Tamang customs, the ashes of deceased family members are preserved at home, and rituals are performed by lighting lamps. Following this tradition, on Chaitra Purnima, devotees first perform पूजा at Boudha, then proceed to Balaju Baisdhara for ritual bathing, and afterward visit Swayambhu to light lamps and immerse the ashes. It is believed that performing these rituals helps the departed soul attain peace and ascend to heaven.
The jatra begins on the evening of Chaitra Shukla Chaturdashi and sees significant participation from the Tamang community coming from various districts including Makwanpur, Lalitpur, Nuwakot, Sindhupalchok, and Kavrepalanchok.
The festival concludes on the morning of the full moon day after devotees take a ritual bath at Balaju Baisdhara and perform final prayers at Swayambhu.
